Save $ or Splurge $$$ Laura Mercier Glow Brush

I've been watching a lot of YouTube videos lately; catching up on old videos, searching for new channels to subscribe to, and watching product reviews.  Recently, I was looking at a product review by MakeupShayla on the Laura Mercier Loose Setting Translucent Glow Powder and she used their brush to apply the highlighter and I just loved how it looked. I went to  Sephora to get all the details and closed the tab because I didn't really want to pay $40 for a brush, $20 is my limit lol. I'm pretty sure you know what's next....yep, you guessed it. I began searching for a dupe with that curved shape. I found a few good alternatives from Fenty, E.L.F and Shop Miss A but good ole E.L.F ended up being the best option to me. See the details and tell me what you think, SAVE or SPLURGE?!

Save: E.L.F. Sculpting Face Brush $6 ($3 at Walmart in-store)

The contoured and curved shape of this brush hugs the face to help expertly sculpt and blend product, contour cheekbones, define the nose, and minimize the look of jawline definition for precision application. This brush is ideal with foundation but also works perfectly with a variety of formulas including powders, liquids, and creams.

Splurge: Laura Mercier Glow Brush $38

A powder brush designed to allow for even, luminous application all over the face. This brush’s unique, curved shape is designed to fit the contours of the face. It applies powder evenly and smoothly all over, leaving behind a consistent, uniform veil of luminosity.

Have you tried either of these brush? Are you saving or splurging? Right now, I'm going to save. But when I get some extra money, I'll be splurging again.

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365 of 365: Best Of 2014

Today marks the last day of the year. 2014 has been a good year for the blog as well as our personal lives. We are looking forward to what next year has in store. 

Below are our 5 most viewed blog posts this year; if you hadn't read them before do so now!

When buying wardrobe essentials, I believe you should buy quality pieces that will last for a long time which may cost more than you normally would spend. Think of them as investment pieces. The key to purchasing great quality pieces while still being frugal is shopping out of season, outlet stores and major sales. This post lists some essentials I believe every lady should have and where to buy them for the low! - See more at: 8 Wardrobe Essentials Worth the Splurge
 

I'm an advocate of not paying more for an item than its worth. A lot of these 'high end' makeup brands have good products but some are not worth the price in my opinion. Here are some inexpensive makeup products that can be purchased at a drugstore or your local beauty supply store.  - See more at: Beauty on a Budget 

A Hermes belt kit starts at about $800 and the enamel bracelet is $650. I see a lot of people with both items some real and some fake. Instead of spending all your money or buying a fake, check out this look for less. - See more at: The Look for Less: Hermes

Did you catch Beyoncé in her Double Pom Pom Beanie? If you want to make your own, I found a fairly easy DIY tutorial for the Double Pom Pom Beanie on A Pair & A Spare's blog - See more at: DIY Double Pom Pom Beanie 

UGGS aren't cheap and finding some on sale is a challange. Over the Christmas holiday I came across these cute little boot wraps by Homage, which are liners that pop onto soles of you UGGs. They come in a variety of colors and patterns. The prices range from $29.95 to $34.95. They are sold exclusively at Nordstrom. These boot covers are perfect for sprucing up an old or new pair of UGGs. - See more at: Dress Up Your UGGs

Happy New Years! Leave us a comment below and let us know what you would like to see from us in the new year! 

Save $ or Splurge $$$ MAC Studio Finish Concealer

Splurge: MAC Studio Finish Concealer

Save: Milani Secret Cover Concealer

I love finding a good dupe for beauty products. But I'll admit when I first started wearing makeup I had to have MAC everything. I wear makeup a lot and spending $20+ per product doesn't fit in my current budget. Especially when I run through certain products fast, like my concealer. My frugal alternative to the Studio Finish Concealer by MAC is Milani's Secret Cover Concealer. It's a maximum coverage concealer cream that completely covers and perfects all types of skin. If you cant find Milani try NYX Concealer in a Jar (sold at Target). 

What do you think? Splurge or Save?

- Christen
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Beauty on a Budget

I'm an advocate of not paying more for an item than its worth.  A lot of these "high end' makeup brands have good products but some are not worth the price in my opinion.  I'm no MUA so I can get away with buying cheaper products. Here are some of my fav inexpensive makeup products that can be purchased at a drugstore or your local beauty supply store. I use all of these products myself and they are WOC friendly!

 1. Revlon Colorstay Foundation - Buildable coverage and transfer resistant // 2. Milani Easybrow // 3. NYX Concealer // 4. E.L.F Brush Set  // 5.  LA Girl Pro Concealer    // 6. Wet n' Wild Eyeshadow  // 7. Milani Baked Blush // 8. E.L.F  Glow Bronzer - The best $1 bronzer ever! Brown girls try this in Warm Tan! // 9. Maybelline Great Lash // 10. NYX Lip Pencil // 11. Wet n Wild MegaLast Lip Color - Dupes for Mac // 12. NYX Mega Shine Gloss

-Christen